The Rocks was the landing place of 1400 men, women and children in 1788 (over half being convicts) on the first of many fleets to visit Sydney Cove.

Just over 200 years ago, Captain Arthur Phillip brought his fleet of 10 square-rigged sailing ships to anchor in the peaceful little bay that was to become known as Sydney Cove.  With his ships, his crews, farm stock, a handful of settlers, an array of marines and the prisoners in their charge, Phillip established the farthest flung outpost of the British Empire.

The name comes from much of the original settlement being established on the western shore of Sydney Cover on a hillside with prominent outcrops of sandstone.
 
Named after the sandstone found in the area, the stone also was used in many of the original buildings. These have been restored and along with the cobbled lanes and stairs, the whole district of The Rocks has an old world ambience.

The district is the foundation place of Sydney and colonial Australia’s most significant historical site.

For more detailed information regarding the Rocks History please go to
www.therocks.com or
www.therocks.com/sydney-Education_and_Tours-Heritage_and_History.htm